Reducing energy costs and protecting against backflow

Karlshamns Municipality| Karlshamn, Sweden| Flood protection

The problem

The region experienced severe flooding episodes, often triggered by storm events that led to elevated water levels. This flooding had far-reaching consequences, extending beyond just homes along the seafront. The deluge infiltrated the sanitary sewer system, resulting in an overwhelming influx of water at the treatment plant.

The existing pipeline, with a diameter of DN1600mm (NPS 42"), was a critical element in this scenario. Given the flat nature of the area and the absence of any significant gradient in the stormwater pipes, it was imperative to implement a solution with a low opening pressure.

This challenge underscored the need for a solution that could effectively manage floodwaters even in areas with minimal gradient.

Wastop Backventil

Solution

WaStop® Inline Check valve

To combat the persistent flooding issues, a comprehensive installation strategy was devised, featuring both large and small WaStop valves. One substantial WaStop valve was employed to accommodate high flows, while three smaller valves were strategically placed to manage low flows. Importantly, all four valves were engineered to withstand a remarkable 5 meters (16 feet) of back pressure, a critical feature for addressing the area's unique challenges.

The benefits of this installation went beyond flood prevention. An unintended yet highly positive consequence was the reduction in flow to the treatment plant by an impressive 100,000 cubic meters per year. This decrease translated into a substantial reduction in electricity costs for pumping and treatment, amounting to €12,000 per year. 

To effectively handle substantial rain events, a supplementary small pump was integrated into the system. This pump lifted water from a surface water chamber located just ahead of the WaStop. The pump then directed the water into an unused sewer line that ran parallel to the existing stormwater pipeline. This clever approach ensured that even during periods of high sea levels and heavy rainfall, the system could efficiently evacuate excess water.

The community's residents have enjoyed a respite from flooding since the installation, and the treatment plant no longer contends with the challenge of treating seawater. This not only leads to savings for the Municipality but also carries environmental benefits. By curtailing the inflow of seawater into the treatment plant, the risk of overloading and the consequential discharge is eliminated. This reduction in environmental impact also leads to fewer fines from the Environment Protection Agency, resulting in a win-win scenario for all parties involved.

For further insights into the details of this successful installation, please feel free to contact Wapro.

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